The producers of long-running Big Brother are set to take the drama to the next level with tonight’s premiere of Summer Camp on USA. The reality competition will include from fierce challenges with the whittled down remaining team splitting a $250,000 prize.
And these aren’t just ordinary campers — the majority of cast members are aspiring performers.
Cameron Tylor
This Kentucky native embraces his cowboy image, but is willing to put manners aside in pursuit of the grand prize. He’s also a talented country singer who recently released Gone on YouTube.
Brooke Mangum
Brooke is a 23-year-old model from a large Utah family. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Utah, she scored a broadcast job. And, as demonstrated by the modelling photos above, Brooke is able to alternate between the girl-next-door and blonde bombshell looks.
Kyle Kleiboeker
Although Kyle’s from a family of NFL players, he went in the polar opposite direction by making a name for himself on Broadway. Proving he’s more than just a pretty face, Kyle’s got some serious singing chops.
Rachel Spalding
Unlike her show-biz competitors, Rachel is a constant “being of positivity” who works as a yoga teacher and life coach. She hasn’t always been so sweet and upbeat: After a rebellious few teenage years, Rachel’s mom sent her to a therapeutic boarding school on the other side of the country. The experience was transformative and Rachel emerged as the happy person she is today!
Mike Ward
Mike had an interesting childhood growing up in the South Pacific, where his parents worked as missionaries. He went on to serve in a different way, as a soldier in Afghanistan. Now that he’s back in the states, Mike describes himself as a model, entrepreneur and personal trainer. (Judging by the picture above, it’s obvious he’s pretty successful at two of those trades!)
Michelle Schexnayder
“Bayou Bodybuilder” Michelle will likely give the boys a run for their money in physical challenges. When she’s not training for power-lifting competitions, Michelle works behind the bar at a local Hooters. As demonstrated by this video, body confidence is not an issue for the 24-year-old.
Chris Grant
Chris Grant may come off as a totally funnyman, but the guy’s definitely got a sweet side: He works as special education teacher in New York. He also believes in the power of humor to break down walls. Once a chubby kid, he broke out of his shell when he got into preforming arts!
Meaghan Cooper
Born on Valentine’s Day, she’s also got a knack for making the boys go a bit crazy. As seems to be the trend with Summer Camp contestants, Meaghan is also an aspiring singer, actress and model. So far, her acting credits range from I Survived a Japanese Game Show to local car dealership commercials.
Justin Jackson
At 41, Justin is the oldest in the competition. But, that won’t stop “The Hunter” from keeping the win in sight. Even though it was a few years back, Justin also fondly remembers his Oklahoma church camp where he was known as a prankster.
Isis McKenzie
Pageant queen and TV host Isis’ family has been in the entertainment industry for years. She even claims that “The Oscars” took their nickname from her grandfather! Before Summer Camp, Isis hosted her own show in Time Warner Cable, Born to Shine
Moises Ramos
A former chubby kid, Moises was thrown out of his boyhood summer camp for pulling too many pranks! He’s since learned to follow the rules, which is a necessary characteristic for his job as a Florida firefighter.
Melinda Gross
Melinda is a self-described geek who enjoys comics and cosplay. But, like any good superhero who has an alter ego, Melinda can throw down as a professional stunt-woman.
Mikey Benzaia
A former camper and counselor, Mikey considers himself at home at summer camp. He also describes himself as an over-the-top TV host… Who apparently recently spent time with Snooki?! He’s also a devoted philanthropist.
Lauren von Drashek
Lauren, a Midwestern “mean-girl” and hockey player, isn’t one to mess with during physical competitions. The youngest cast member, Lauren tells it like it is. Before joining the show, Lauren worked at a local gym where she unabashedly told clients they need to be more like her.
Chuck Lines
Counterbalancing the show’s jocks, Chuck is a “nerd” who speaks Elvish, does Russian acrobatics and loves to attend sci-fi conventions. Not to be underestimated, the Eagle Scout has some tricks up his sleeves.
“One of the reasons I did the show, probably the biggest reason, was to prove to the nerds of the world that we are capable of anything, to show the bullies that the people they are picking on are not inferior in any way, that we are just as capable,” Chuck told his hometown paper, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Erin Cosgrove
Country girl Erin is a competitive triathlete and personal trainer. She’s also a talented aspiring country singer who recently shared a song inspired by a Summer Camp love connection!
Catch the premiere of Summer Camp tonight on USA at 8/7 p.m. CST!
